200 palm saplings planted in Joypurhat 

JOYPURHAT, Oct 4: Square Crop Care Division has planted 200 palm saplings in the district as part of an initiative to reduce lightning-related risks and help maintain environmental balance.

The plantation programme was inaugurated on Saturday afternoon along both sides of the Shuktahar-Dharki connecting road in Sadar Upazila.

Ahmedul Kabir, product executive of Square Crop Care Division, field manager Abdul Majid, SSDO Zainul Abedin, Joypurhat Sadar Agriculture Office Sub-Assistant Plant Protection Officer Amal Chandra Roy, Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Umme Habiba Sultana, District Jubo Dal Joint Secretary Ripon Hossain, and local farmers and community leaders attended the programme.

Organisers said Bangladesh is frequently affected by natural disasters, including storms, floods, droughts and cyclones, while lightning has emerged as another major hazard, claiming many lives every year.
Farmers working in open fields account for a significant proportion of lightning casualties, they said.

Against this backdrop, Square Crop Care Division has launched a nationwide palm-sapling plantation programme in lightning-prone areas.